Top 10 alternatives to the London Marathon

Missed out in the London Marathon ballot? Fret not, there’s a world of interesting, quirky and less-hassle alternatives out there to run. Here’s a look at some British and further-flung possibilities.

Bilbao Night Marathon (October 19):The thought of running through neon-lit streets for four or five hours may not appeal to some but, for all its oddness, this is a well-organised and smoothly-run event. Narrow streets, raucous crowds, DJs, bands and even fireworks all help create a party atmosphere along the way. And while some consider the two-lap route a downside, the race’s impressive start and finish in the vicinity of Bilbao’s Guggenheim museum just adds to the wow factor. A 9pm start should see you home in time for a well-earned night on the tiles in this lively Basque city.

Oberelbe Marathon, Dresden (April 28): One for next year obviously (the 2014 date is not confirmed yet) but I can thoroughly recommend this small, little-known 26-miler from personal experience. Beginning a short train journey from Dresden, the mainly-flat route travels virtually straight down the river Elbe, flanked by old German castles, pristine greenery and quaint cobbled villages – and usually bathed in glorious sunshine. What it gains in spectacular scenery it loses in cheering crowds, which really only appear as you arrive near the finish in the rebuilt historic Altstadt (Old Town) part of Dresden – a treat for lovers of Baroque architecture. If that’s not incentive enough to keep plodding, then the promise of glugging down some glistening German brews at the awaiting beer stalls should.

Bournemouth Marathon (October 6):You’d be taking something of a chance with this brand new race on the UK calendar but, really, how can you wrong running along the sanded sea fronts of Bournemouth and Poole before ending at Bournemouth Pier? Seasoned runners have baulked at the £50 entry but this one’s all about the views. You never know, you might even get lucky with the weather too for a proper day out at the seaside.

Edinburgh Marathon (May 26): With an entry deadline of midnight on April 30 this race in the Scottish capital is well-placed to hoover up any London rejects and if your luck’s in in Edinburgh you won’t be disappointed. Starting in the heart of the city and heading east along the Forth Estuary, the flat course has been judged the fastest in the UK by Runner’s World magazine. Held in late-May conditions should be perfect for a PB while you can take in some lovely East Lothian countryside along the way. Just watch out for the crosswinds!

Honolulu Marathon (December 8): OK, this is budget-permitting, but if you can stretch the cost than this would certainly be one to tell the grand-kids about. Like London, it’s a big one, featuring 30,000, mainly Japanese, joggers. The heat and humidity make for a bleary-eyed 5am start, which is not ideal, but taking in sights like Waikki Beach and Diamond Head should relieve any sleep deprivation. Hula time!

Berlin Marathon (September 29): It’s one of the biggies on the world calendar and with good reason. Starting and finishing near the Brandenburg Gate, you’ll be breathing in the history as you huff and puff through one of the most magical cities in the world. And while you probably won’t fancy flicking through your guide book by mile 20, you can rely on the carnival atmosphere Berliners generate when the chips are down. The flat course provides a gentle introduction for first-timers and is a haven for PB-chasers. Afterwards, reward yourself with a marathon all-nighter in one of Europe’s most hedonistic cities.

Dublin Marathon (October 28): Another flattie, the route weaves its way through the mixed-up inner-city fringes of the Irish capital before finishing slap bang in its old Georgian centre at Merrion Square. Fittingly for the Emerald Isle, the race ambles pleasantly into the vast greenery of the Phoenix Park to break up the sometimes grey monotony of October Dublin. It’s Irish, it’s friendly, and, yes, a pint of Arthur’s or two is practically compulsory when you’re done.

Medoc Marathon (September 7): Forget your Lucozade stations, the Marathon du Medoc boasts wine stations. This eccentric French race near Bordeaux makes its way through numerous bucolic vineyards, where the mainly fancy-dress-clad entrants are encouraged to sample the local grape and even indulge in some epicurean nibbles. Joie de vivre indeed… except it can get uncomfortably hot.

Niagara Falls Marathon (October 27): Beginning in Buffalo, USA, before crossing into Ontaria, in Canada, this is one of the rare marathons that takes place in two countries. Being greeted at the finish by one of the wonders of the world is quite good too.

Loch Ness Marathon (September 29): One of the more established of a number of Highland rambles, the course is actually not as punishing as its mountainous location suggests. Nor is it too remote – Inverness, where the race ends, has an airport, so pack your kilt and you’ll be rewarded with stunning scenery and maybe even a glimpse of you-know-who.